For the residents of Benghazi, who were increasingly under the threat of bombardment from Col Muammar Qaddafi's forces, the UN resolution to impose a no-fly zone in Libya could not have been more timely. But in the days since its implementation, Russia, China, and even the Arab League have condemned the air-strikes as too severe. After initially voicing his concerns, the Arab League's secretary general, Amr Moussa, reaffirmed his commitment to the enforcement of the UN resolution yesterday.
"The Arab League decisions have been announced and we are committed to them," Mr Moussa told journalists in Cairo yesterday. "We respect the Security Council resolution and have no contradiction with this resolution, especially since it stated that there be no invasion or occupation of Libyan lands."
This is a critical time for resolve. The Arab countries, led by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), were the first to call for the imposition of a no-fly zone in Libya. They were rightly lauded for their resolve and unity then. It is vital that this is maintained.
Reassuringly for the civilians in Benghazi, GCC members involved in the coalition against Col Qaddafi's forces confirmed yesterday that they believed the current operation remained within the bounds of the UN resolution. "What is happening now is not intervention, it is for the protection of the Libyan people and civilians from the waterfalls of blood," Abdul Rahman bin Hamad al Attiyah, the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council said in Abu Dhabi. "These operations are to stop the bloodshed occurring in Libya."
More than ever, the Arab world needs to speak in a unified voice. Conflicting statements, and any subsequent hesitation with the mission, can only serve Col Qaddafi's regime.
Of course, military action in Libya was a last resort; Col Qaddafi's opponents were victims of serious atrocities and faced potential annihilation. But it must be remembered that Tripoli and other pro-Qaddafi strongholds contain a large number of civilians who deserve the same protection as those among the opposition.
In a speech on Sunday, Col Qaddafi again invoked an Islamic war against western "crusaders" in his effort to regain Arab support. Once again, he has misjudged the mood on the Arab street. Rarely has an attack in the region by an international coalition received such backing from Arab regimes and, just as importantly, from their people.
It is vital that this conviction remains focused in the current campaign to save civilian lives in Benghazi and the rest of Libya.
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
Company Profile
Company name: OneOrder
Started: October 2021
Founders: Tamer Amer and Karim Maurice
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Industry: technology, logistics
Investors: A15 and self-funded
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Fund-raising tips for start-ups
Develop an innovative business concept
Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors
Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19
Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.)
Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months
Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses
Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
MATCH INFO
Everton 0
Manchester City 2 (Laporte 45 2', Jesus 90 7')
2020 Oscars winners: in numbers
- Parasite – 4
- 1917– 3
- Ford v Ferrari – 2
- Joker – 2
- Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood – 2
- American Factory – 1
- Bombshell – 1
- Hair Love – 1
- Jojo Rabbit – 1
- Judy – 1
- Little Women – 1
- Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) – 1
- Marriage Story – 1
- Rocketman – 1
- The Neighbors' Window – 1
- Toy Story 4 – 1
COPA DEL REY
Semi-final, first leg
Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')
Second leg, February 27
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5